Advanced Vocabulary Words

Challenging vocabulary primarily tested on the GRE. These sophisticated words distinguish high scorers and are essential for graduate-level reading and Text Completion questions.

2321 words · Page 2 of 39

affirmation GRE

a statement or declaration that confirms or supports something

affront SAT GRE

A public insult or challenge, often provoked by someone or something.

aftermath GRE

The consequences or results of an event, action, or decision, often in terms of impact or effect.

agglomeration GRE

A mass or collection of separate parts or things that are gathered or united for a specific purpose.

aggrandize SAT GRE

To increase or enhance someone's status, power, or reputation, often in a way that is perceived as b...

agitated GRE

Feeling or showing strong emotions, such as anxiety or anger

agnostic GRE

A person who does not believe in the existence of a higher power or divine being

airtight GRE

Completely sealed or closed, often to prevent the entry or escape of air

alcove SAT GRE

A small recess or nook in a room, often with a curved wall

alias SAT GRE

A name or identity used by someone for secret or undercover purposes, or a name that a person uses f...

alienated GRE

Having or showing feelings of anger, resentment, or opposition

alimentary GRE

Relating to the food we eat and the digestive system

alimony GRE

Money paid by one divorced spouse to the other, often as part of a divorce settlement

alkali SAT GRE

A type of chemical used in cooking, cleaning, and industry, often as a base

allege SAT GRE

To claim or state that something is true

allergic GRE

Having a sensitive reaction to a particular substance or thing

allergy GRE

A sensitive reaction to a particular substance or thing

alligator GRE

A large reptile with a long snout and powerful jaws, native to fresh water environments in the south...

allurement GRE

A temptation or attraction that encourages someone to do something, often in a persuasive or seducti...

almond GRE

A small, oval-shaped nut that grows on trees in the Mediterranean region and is often used in baking...

altar SAT GRE

A raised platform or table in a church or temple, used for worship or sacrifices.

altercation GRE

A dispute or argument, often verbal, between two or more people, which may escalate into violence.

altruistic GRE

Selfless and concerned with the needs and welfare of others, rather than one's own interests.

amalgamate SAT GRE

To combine or merge two or more things, often to form a single, unified whole.

amass GRE

To gather or collect something, often over a period of time or by means of effort.

ambidextrous SAT GRE

Skilled and proficient with both hands, often used to describe someone who can perform actions or ta...

ambiguity GRE

A lack of clarity or precision, often in language or meaning, making it difficult to understand or i...

ambrosia GRE

A type of food or drink that is especially pleasing or satisfying, often because it is sweet, flavor...

ambulatory GRE

Capable of walking or moving freely, often used to describe someone who is able to get around despit...

ameliorate SAT GRE

To make something better or improve a situation, often by reducing its negative aspects or consequen...

amenities GRE

amenities are services, comforts, or luxuries provided at home or in an establishment, such as a hot...

amity SAT GRE

amity is a state of friendship, harmony, and peaceful relations between persons, groups, or nations;...

amoral GRE

amoral describes something that is without moral character or standards; having no sense of right or...

amorphous SAT GRE

amorphous describes a substance that has no fixed shape; lacking a definite form.

amphibian GRE

amphibian refers to an animal that lives in both water and on land, such as frogs and toads.

amputate SAT GRE

amputate means to cut off or remove a part of the body, usually as a medical intervention.

amulet GRE

an amulet is a charm, talisman, or token believed to offer protection, good luck, or magical powers.

analgesic GRE

analgesic refers to a substance used to relieve or relieve pain; medicine that reduces pain.

anathema SAT GRE

anathema can mean something or someone that is hated, despised, or shunned; a taboo.

ancillary GRE

ancillary means related to or used to support a main activity, job, or function.

anemia SAT GRE

anemia is a condition characterized by a deficiency in red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin i...

anguish GRE

anguish is a strong feeling of unhappiness, distress, or anxiety; misery.

anguished GRE

anguished describes someone who is overcome with feelings of distress, despair, or agony.

animosity SAT GRE

animosity is a feeling of hostility, resentment, or dislike, especially towards someone or something...

annotate SAT GRE

To add notes or explanations to a text, often to clarify or provide context.

annuity SAT GRE

A fixed sum of money paid out at regular intervals, often to an individual or group.

annul GRE

To formally declare or prove something to be invalid, canceled, or revoked.

anodyne GRE

A substance or treatment that eases pain, often by numbing or distracting the senses.

anoint GRE

To anoint or apply oil or unguent to someone or something, often symbolically or ceremoniously.

anomalous GRE

Disagreeing with the normal, expected, or typical pattern or behavior.

anonymity GRE

The quality or state of being anonymous, or unknown in identity or name.

antecede SAT GRE

To precede in time, order, or rank, or to come before someone or something.

antecedents GRE

Ancestor, cause, or origin of something, often giving a background or history.

antediluvian SAT GRE

Extremely old-fashioned, obsolete, or from a very remote time, often used to convey a sense of ancie...

antenna GRE

A long thin structure that receives or transmits electromagnetic waves, often used in electronics or...

anterior SAT GRE

Located in the front part of something, often used in anatomy or geometry.

anthropoid GRE

Resembling or derived from humans, or having human-like characteristics.

anthropologist GRE

A person who studies human culture, behavior, and evolution, often using cross-cultural and interdis...

anthropomorphic GRE

Attributing human characteristics or qualities to non-human entities, such as animals or objects.

anticlimax SAT GRE

A letdown or disappointment, especially after a period of expectation or tension.

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